Almost half of those studying on degrees gain first class honours
One graduate landed a job and found love during his degree
Eastern Education Group doffed its cap to more than 150 students during their annual graduation ceremony.
Almost half of those who took degrees (45.7%) gained first class honours.
Held at the cathedral in Bury St Edmunds, around 300 proud parents, guardians and friends, VIPs, honorary guests and staff members roared with delight as successful learners took to the stage to collect their qualifications.
The ceremony was held one year after Eastern Education Group celebrated its centenary.
CEO of Eastern Education Group – Dr Nikos Savvas OBE DL – praised students on their achievements.
Dr Savvas said: “I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our students. I know that some of them have studied while raising families. Some have kept working full time. Some have come back to education years after they thought that chapter was closed. Yet, they have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, pushing through every obstacle to arrive at this point. Our graduands now leave us as creators, problem-solvers, and future leaders, and we wish them every success in the future.”
In total,152 graduands received their awards having all studied at University Studies at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds. (University Studies at West Suffolk College is part of Eastern Education Group).
Students succeeded in a range of subjects and courses ranging from computing to construction and English to engineering.
- Of the 70 students who picked up degree certificates, 32 received first class honours.
- 41 people got HND and HNC certificates.
- 6 people received CertHE and DipHE qualifications. 50 received higher apprenticeships.
Whilst everyone who completed their programmes gained deserved praise, some stories that were highlighted this year included Sadie French – a mum of one who battled against the odds to pass her degree. Sadie is now on a journey to a PhD.
Sadie also did a speech during the ceremony on behalf of all students.
Others included Yunus Njie who came to higher education later in life, he had to juggle studying whilst caring for his daughter and working – and travelling from Leiston to attend classes. And Alfie Woolgar’s story saw him get a job and fall in love with fellow degree student Amy Hale whilst studying at University Studies at West Suffolk College – and they both graduated on the same day.
Charlotte Horobin – the CEO of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce received an honorary degree during proceedings. On this award, she said: “It is such an honour to receive this honorary doctorate. It is a privilege to hold my role as Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce where working closely with our extremely dedicated education providers is so important. To be recognised by them, brings me enormous pride and I hope highlights how important it is to work together, in true partnership, in order to develop talent and stimulate innovation.”
The Executive Principal at Eastern Education Group – Laraine Moody – also had high praise for students. She said: “It is my absolute pleasure to extend huge heartfelt congratulations to each of you on this momentous occasion. As the Executive Principal at University Studies at West Suffolk College I have had the privilege of witnessing your incredible journey – one filled with hard work, perseverance, resilience and dedication. Today, we celebrate not just your academic achievements, but also the growth and passion that have brought you to this point.
“Graduation is a time of reflection and excitement. Reflection on the knowledge you’ve gained, the friendships you’ve forged and the challenges you’ve overcome. Excitement as you are reminded that you are capable of achieving great things and what you have achieved. Your time here has equipped you with the skills and confidence to take on whatever comes next.”
In addition to students having their academic awards conferred, five prizes were presented to students who were nominated by tutors for their outstanding achievements during their studies. The awards were as follows.
- Outstanding Academic Achievement Award during an undergraduate degree went to Oliver Watts.
- Outstanding Academic Achievement Award on an HNC – Sarah Aver. Outstanding Academic Progress Award – Claire Goodchild.
- Outstanding Personal Progress Award – Sadie French. Outstanding Dissertation Award – Andrew Fletcher.
Awarding bodies for all qualifications were the University of East Anglia, Pearson and Skills England.
Sponsors were Gipping Occupational Health and Wellbeing and Robinson Young.
The Dean of St Edmundsbury – The Very Reverend Joe Hawes – also gave a speech reflecting his pride in all of those who graduated, whilst describing the ceremony as ‘moving’.
